Banking on Banksy to draw in crowds

The Oi YOU! Collection features 22 works by world renowned and highly mysterious street artist Bansky. His iconic work ‘Pink Copper’ can be seen just right of centre. Photo: Luke Shirlaw.

Street art lovers don't need to book a room in Banksy's new Walled Off Hotel in Israel to experience the renowned graffiti artist's take on the Middle Eastern conflict.

A rare and iconic artwork created by the elusive street artist a decade ago will be going on display during the Paradox: Tauranga Street Art Festival which takes place across the city this month.

‘Pink Copper' was created for the Santa's Ghetto exhibition held in Palestine in 2007, and is one of 22 Banksy artworks that feature in the Oi! YOU collection which is being presented at the Tauranga Art Gallery during the festival.

Earlier this month, Banksy hit the headlines around the world after unveiling his latest installation, The Walled Off Hotel, which is his first major piece of work since 2015.

Paradox artistic director George Shaw says having Banksy back in the headlines is not only good news for the world of street art, but also the festival, as it highlights just how valuable the Oi YOU! Collection is, given its close connection to the hotel.

'We hope the festival will attract people from around the country – and even the world – to Tauranga, and believe the chance to view a Banksy collection is a massive drawcard.”

The Oi YOU! Collection is the most extensive assembly of Banksy works in the Southern Hemisphere, and headlines the Tauranga festival alongside street art developed both inside Tauranga Art Gallery and out in the city streets.

Tauranga City Council City Transformation general manager Jaine Lovell-Gadd is looking forward to the community being able to enjoy the festival's components.

'This high-profile event that has been created for the residents and visitors alike easily matches with events on an international stage.

'Tauranga, a city of beautiful beaches and natural surroundings and one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities will become the unexpected canvas for the kind of street art festival New Zealand has not seen so far.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty head of marketing Kath Low says the worldwide attention Banksy's latest collection is generating just strengthens what is going to be an amazing event for Tauranga and the arts community.

She adds the ability to secure such high-profile attractions is a ringing endorsement for both the city and the region, in terms of appeal and offerings.

'This is going to be a wonderful festival, as it is a chance for Tauranga to positon itself as a city with a rich arts scene. I firmly believe it will add to the Bay of Plenty's diversity of attractions and help bolster the region's appeal as a top location for visitors and locals alike.”

Paradox: Tauranga Street Art Festival is being run in partnership between the Tauranga City Council, Oi YOU! and the Tauranga Art Gallery and takes place across the city from March 28 to June 15. For more information visit www.taurangastreetartfestival.nz

THE WALLED OFF HOTEL

The Walled Off Hotel is a three-storey guest house, with nine private rooms, plus hostel-like accommodation, which is located four metres from the Israeli security wall that wraps around Bethlehem.

Built in complete secrecy during a 14-month period, The Walled Off Hotel is decorated with dozens of new politically-charged art works for which the street artist is famous.

To learn more about The Walled Off Hotel visit: banksy.co.uk

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